The Ford GPW Jeeps were manufactured from 1942 to 1945 and, as well as the Willys built Jeep, are considered the iconic World War II Jeep. The Ford Jeep was then designated GPW, with the "W" referring to the "Willys" licensed design. During World War II, Willys produced 363,000 Jeeps and Ford some 280,000. Approximately 51,000 were exported to the USSR under the Lend-Lease program. Ford and Willys faithfully produced jeeps with fully interchangeable parts and components, in part facilitated by using components from common sources, for example, frames from Midland Steel, wheels from Kelsey-Hayes, axles and transfer-cases from Spicer.

We are delighted to offer this early, scarce and sought-after ‘scripted’ (with the Ford name visible on the rear) VEP (very early production) Ford Jeep from the early weeks of production in 1942; later models were annotated with the Ford and Willys names together until the US government banned any sort of branding on its military vehicles. This particular example served within the British Army during the Second World War until it was decommissioned and sold off on 20th January 1947. In 2016, the Jeep was acquired by the vendor, in a poor state, from a family who had owned it since 1969. A sympathetic restoration was undertaken, with the idea of retaining as much of the original Jeep as possible. The only item that was replaced was the rear tub as this was deemed as too far gone to restore but it is available and included if a new owner requires it. You may notice that some items, although treated and painted, show signs of age; the key thing is that they are rare items and have been retained. Today, this Jeep proudly displays many original features including the Sheller steering wheel, British Army Butler lights, original data plates, radio suppression box, original combat wheel rims, a period wartime 2.2 litre engine, starting handle, brass windscreen catches and the original nuts and bolts were retained; even the chassis rivets are authentic. In addition, the brake system was overhauled and includes a new brake master cylinder, brake, wheel cylinders, pipes and linings. This Jeep is complete with a UK V5C registration document, original buff log book and also includes other items such as an axe, shovel, hessian rope and fire extinguisher.

Today, many of these Jeeps are fitted with replica parts; however, this example still retains most of the ‘F’ marked parts (how many can you spot?), wartime Ford engine and combat wheel rims thus resulting in what must be an ideal collectors’ item.

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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Buyers are advised to inspect the car in person or use a professional to carry out this service.